Best Portable Chargers

The Ten Best Portable Chargers For Keeping You Wired In, Even Off The Grid

If there’s a hint of physiological, mechanical or environmental energy being wasted out in the world, there’s probably a portable charger to repurpose it toward charging your mobile electronics. AskMen scoured the market for the latest, most versatile off-grid chargers, from insoles that generate power from your every step, to kits that adapt to changing weather conditions, to ultra-compact battery banks. Wander as far from the electrical outlet as you want and still keep all those power bars shaded in.

EnerPlex Jumpr StackEnerPlex’s Jumpr Stack lithium-polymer back-up battery packs offer light, super-portable charging without sacrificing capacity. Each battery pack has plenty of juice for powering up everything from smart watches to tablets and includes pop-out, tethered micro-USB and Apple Lightning connectors, in addition to a USB output. Magnetic coupling hardware means you can stack multiple Jumprs together and charge two or more from a single outlet. They’ll be available in mid-September in 3,200 mAh ($40), 6,200 mAh ($70) and 9,400 mAh ($100) sizes.

Powertraveller Expedition KitOff-grid adventuring is unpredictable, so give yourself the best chance of generating power with the Powertraveller Powermonkey Expedition Kit. The kit adapts to the moment’s circumstances with a portable 5-watt solar panel and AC grid charger. For those times when the sun and grid are nowhere to be seen, it also has a fold-out hand crank. Put a little muscle into it and the LCD screen indicates when you’re cranking at the optimal pace for charging the internal 10,500 mAh lithium-polymer battery. Powertraveller says it’s developing wind/water turbine, steam, fuel cell and gas power hardware that will fit the current Powermonkey Expedition kit, giving it even more versatility.

Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus RechargerWith its line of solar-compatible products ranging from pocket-sized chargers to full-sized generators, Goal Zero is a true innovator in portable power solutions. One of its simplest products is also one of its most versatile. The Guide 10 Plus portable battery pack charges from either a power outlet or solar panel. Instead of a single internal battery, it holds four rechargeable NiMH AA or AAA batteries. Those batteries can charge small gadgets like smartphones and GPS units via the USB port, but they can also pop out for use in non-rechargeable, AA/AAA-powered devices like flashlights and radios. The Guide 10 also includes a small LED flashlight.